The Scum Emperor's Redemption System

[FINAL On going editing. The author has been sick and is in medications so I apologize for the lack of quality lately.]

Argider found herself summoned once again.

She stood before the grand council room, her mind heavy with the weight of the responsibilities she never asked for, yet had to bear.

Today, however, would be different.

The council had made it clear through subtle but firm gestures that her actions were beginning to wear on their patience.

As the doors to the council room creaked open, Argider stepped inside, her posture poised yet inwardly uneasy.

The members of the council were seated around a large, polished stone table, each one representing a key aspect of the empire's structure.

Each of them had their own unique agendas, and each of them, whether they admitted it or not, held their own ambitions in the shadow of the throne.

Gander Morrigan, the Emerald Liege, sat near the head of the table, his emerald-green eyes sharp with scrutiny as he peered down at Argider. His dominion over the empire's vast economic territories made him one of the most influential figures in the room, and he certainly used that power to his advantage.

Malister Merovia, the Golden Liege, who controlled the empire's financial interests and the treasury, leaned back in his chair with a subtle, calculating smirk, his fingers steepled before him as if plotting his next move.

Laristor Erisius, the Alexandrite Liege, sat in the shadowed corner of the room, his eyes glinting with an air of mystery. His role as the master of covert operations gave him the ability to know what others did not. His silence spoke volumes, but his gaze never left Argider.

Saktor Tarkresh, the Amber Liege, the military commander, stood with his arms crossed over his broad chest. His piercing gaze was unflinching, like that of a hawk locking onto prey. A warrior by nature, Saktor never believed in diplomacy, only action. He had always respected strength, but something in Argider's recent decisions had evidently unsettled him.

Telys Donotia, the Lady Azurite Liege, was the only woman in the council. Elegant yet ruthless in her speeches, her silver-tongued words had the power to sway the room. As she shifted in her seat, her lips curled into a tight smile—she was no ally of Argider, that much was clear.

Brovian Cryptoron, the Sapphire Liege, the chief Justice and guardian of the empire's laws, sat with an air of unyielding authority. His dark blue robes contrasted sharply with his cold, calculating demeanor. Every word he spoke was like a verdict, and he had little patience for lawlessness, especially when it came from someone in power.

Finally, Osmo Arctera, the Pearl Liege, advisor to the throne, remained silent. His sharp intellect and insight were respected by all, though his aloof demeanor made him seem more like a distant observer than an active participant.

As Argider entered, the room fell silent for a moment, each council member eyeing her with a mixture of curiosity and impatience. Gander Morrigan was the first to break the silence, his voice low and measured but thick with disdain.

"Argider," he began, his eyes narrowing, "you've been making quite the name for yourself these days. But I must ask—what is it that compels you to take consorts from such...lowly blood? Does the empire not deserve better?"

The words stung more than Argider cared to admit. She had expected Gander to oppose her, but his attack still landed with the force of a whip. His tone dripped with disgust, his gaze cold and unyielding.

"Your impulsiveness is a danger to this empire," Gander continued, his voice rising with each word. "You take consorts like you're choosing a new set of clothes. Have you forgotten your position? The throne is not a toy to play with, and neither are the people who would serve you."

Malister Merovia, always eager to weigh in on matters of wealth, couldn't resist chiming in. "Indeed. It's bad enough that we face a curse on the throne, but now you're giving the empire the impression that anyone can simply ascend to your bed. It's a matter of dignity and tradition." He smirked, his fingers drumming against the table. "I hope you're aware of the implications this has for our finances. Lowborn consorts could spark instability. The nobility won't stand for it."

Argider bit back the rising frustration in her chest. They were attacking her choices, her right to choose—when they had no idea what it was like to be cursed into the position she now held. She had her own desires, her own plans, and they were underestimating the strength it took to live within a body that felt foreign to her.

Laristor Erisius leaned forward slightly, his enigmatic gaze sharp. "You've been rash in more ways than one. You don't control all the forces within your empire, and certainly not the ones beneath it. I suggest you tread carefully, Argider. People will notice, and they will exploit your mistakes."

Telys Donotia, ever eloquent, smiled thinly, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "It's almost cute, really. The way you think you can just…choose. As though it doesn't come with consequences. You've been so focused on your consorts, but have you forgotten the empire's laws? The very laws you are sworn to uphold?"

Brovian Cryptoron, the Sapphire Liege, spoke up next, his voice like the clang of a gavel. "She has a point, Argider. The laws of this land are not yours to bend at whim. This is not a matter of your personal preferences. The rules are the rules, and we must adhere to them. You know the consequences of disrupting the status quo."

Saktor Tarkresh, who had remained silent until now, growled under his breath. "Enough of this. If she's so weak as to let her emotions cloud her judgment, she shouldn't be on the throne. The military is built on strength, not whims. If we let such things fester, we'll fall into chaos."

Argider stood there, her chest tightening with frustration, her mind swirling with a mixture of anger and confusion. She knew they were attacking her choices, but they didn't understand what she was going through—what she had been cursed to become. They saw her as weak, impulsive, and unpredictable, but they didn't know the weight of her curse, the agony of feeling trapped in a body that wasn't hers.

"Enough," Argider finally said, her voice steady despite the storm brewing inside her. "You think I don't know the risks? You think I don't understand what I'm doing? But I am still the emperor here, and you will show me the respect that I am due."

The room fell silent at her words, and for a moment, Argider thought she had taken back control. But before she could fully gather her composure, Osmo Arctera spoke, his voice calm and piercing. "Argider, you must remember that the throne is not simply about your own desires. It's about the people you serve. If you cannot balance both your desires and the needs of the empire, then your reign will be short-lived."

The weight of Osmo's words lingered in the air as the council members watched her closely. They weren't just questioning her choices—they were questioning her ability to rule. Argider's eyes narrowed, her fists clenched, but she held her ground.

"I understand your concerns," Argider said slowly, each word heavy with meaning. "But know this: I will not be pushed around. I will choose my consorts as I see fit, and I will lead this empire the way I believe is right."

The council fell into silence once more. It was clear that Argider had made a stand, but whether it would be enough to silence their criticisms remained to be seen.

Gander Morrigan, ever the calculating figure, was practically fuming with rage. His emerald eyes practically glowed as he stared down at the emperor, clearly agitated by what he considered to be another one of Argider's impulsive decisions.

"You've done it now, haven't you?" Gander practically hissed, his fingers clenched tightly around the armrests of his chair. "You've failed to provide Esmeralda with a proper heiress, and now we're left in this mess." He waved his hand dramatically toward Argider, as though presenting her as the source of all the empire's problems. "The future of the empire is at risk, and you're over here playing with your... impulses!"

Argider, her temper flaring, didn't hesitate to defend herself. "I—" She stopped short, realizing something strange bubbling in her chest. Without thinking, she blurted out the first thing that came to mind. "I'm pregnant."

The room went dead silent. Every single council member froze. Even Gander's usually composed demeanor cracked slightly as his mouth fell open. It was as if the entire world had suddenly stopped turning. Argider was pregnant. The very words seemed to hang in the air like an impossibility, a fact no one had ever dared to consider.

"I knew it…" muttered Malister Merovia, his voice dripping with sarcastic disbelief. "I knew this was inevitable. Even if we forced her into marriage, she would get pregnant by a lowly man, wouldn't she?"

Argider's face turned bright red with fury. "It's not like that!" she snapped, glaring at the financial advisor. "I—" She hesitated for a moment, unsure of how to explain. "It's my baby and Esmeralda's... it's also part of the curse." The words came out of her mouth before she even fully processed what she was saying.

The room was utterly still. There was no mocking this time, no snide remarks. Instead, the council members looked at her, stunned and speechless. The weight of what Argider had just revealed hung like a storm cloud over the room.

After what seemed like an eternity, Brovian Cryptoron cleared his throat and motioned for someone to fetch the palace doctor. "We must confirm this… it could have major implications on your rule, Argider."

The tension was thick, but before anyone could speak again, the doctor was summoned, and a few minutes later, the dreaded confirmation came.

"Indeed, the emperor is pregnant," the palace doctor said, his voice grave and full of unspoken concern.